Where is the playground going to be? Members of the Project P.L.A.Y. committee, in conjunction with the Londonderry Recreation Commission, identified three possible sites in Londonderry for the new playground. Members of the design subcommittee did an exhaustive analysis of each site, taking into account things like accessibility, parking, work that would need to be done to get the site ready for the playground, and safety. In addition, town residents were surveyed to determine where people would like the playground to be located. The results of these analyses, as well as the feedback from the surveys, revealed that the site of the current town playground, at Nelson Fields (behind the main fire station), met the greatest number of the subcommittee’s criteria. It is a site that is centrally located and easily accessible, will require very little preparation (besides tearing down the existing playground), and offers enough space to create the new, state-of-the-art, eco-friendly playground we have designed.
How will the playground be eco-friendly? All playground materials, which will be supplied by Landscape Structures, Inc., are non-toxic and are made using environmentally friendly manufacturing processes. Many of the materials are made from recycled materials. Additionally, we plan to install some new vegetation, including bushes and maybe even a tree or two. We will be respectful of the existing vegetation on the site, preserving as much as we can. Additional fencing, picnic tables, and benches will be made of a poly-synthetic product, using recycled materials whenever possible.
How did you decide what play equipment would be included? The members of the design subcommittee worked hard to determine what equipment will be provided. First, they drew on their own personal experience as mothers who have visited countless playgrounds all over the country with their children. They also consulted a certified playground designer from O’Brien and Sons, Inc. (local supplier of Landscape Structures) Finally, town residents were surveyed to determine peoples’ “most wanted” play equipment.
Click here for a 3D view of the playground. The playground will have two areas, one geared toward two- to five-year-olds and the other for ages five to 12. Portions of the playground equipment will also be handicapped- accessible.
Click here to view the layout of Area 1.
Click here to view the layout of Area 2.
What kind of maintenance will the playground require? Since the playground will be built on town property, the town will provide needed maintenance. However, the playground is designed to be as low-maintenance as possible, with most of the equipment designed to last 25 years. A representative from Landscape Structures will visit the playground yearly to do a routine check of the equipment. Also, the surface that we have chosen is a maintenance-free (and child-friendly) solid surface rather than mulch, which needs constant replenishing. Finally, Project P.L.A.Y. would like to work with local groups to sponsor playground clean up days.
Who will build the playground and when? The Londonderry community will come together to build the playground, led by a team from Landscape Structures, the company who is designing the playground. We hope to break ground and build in spring of 2008; perhaps it can happen sooner if we meet our fundraising goal before then.
Who will pay for the playground? Our community will both fund and build the new playground. We are expecting the playground to cost approximately $200,000.
How can I make a donation? There are many ways in which you can contribute financially to the playground.
- Fence Pickets: Due to popularity, Project P.L.A.Y. will be taking orders for engraved fence pickets again - make sure you and your family are included today! Forms must be submitted by August 31, 2008.
- We will be accepting all sort of in-kind donations – from trees and shrubs for the playground to food and beverages for various events.
- You can organize a fundraiser through your organization, church, or business. In this case, we will thank you on the contributors page of this website.
- You may make cash donations on behalf of yourself or your business by sending a check to: Project P.L.A.Y. P.O. Box 312 Londonderry, NH 03053
Can you tell me more about the pickets?
- The pickets are made of composite wood and will last more than 25 years.
- You can have up to 17 characters, 20 total spaces on your picket (including letters, numbers, spaces and punctuation). The only "symbol" that can be used is the + sign.
- Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee placement of pickets at the new playground.
Click here, if you'd like view a printable version of our fence picket brochure.
Is my donation tax deductible? Currently all donations are tax deductible through Project P.L.A.Y.'s affiliation with the MOMS Club of the Nutfield Community. Project P.L.A.Y. is in the process of becoming its own non-profit.
